Lip gloss and lipstick can make your lips look fuller, glossier and better! They can add volume to your lips and make them appear bigger if you have thin lips. Below are some steps to apply lip gloss or lipstick.

Steps

1

Choose the perfect lip cosmetic for you. Do you want it to be shimmer, clear, coloured, flavoured or sheer? There are many different kinds out there, so go shopping and take a look at what's available!

Lipstick is usually has a more opaque colour, and a thicker consistency than lip gloss.

Lip gloss is usually transparent, or with a subtle hint of color. They can be used as an additional layer over the lipstick for an additional shine.

Lip balms are usually transparent, and are designed to protect the lips from sun and wind, and often to soothe chapped lips and cold sores.

Lip stains are like a pen. They can sometimes have a strong colour, but they help change the color of your lips without looking like you are wearing lip color.

Some categories may overlap. You can find lipsticks with SPF protection, lip gloss that is very thick, etc.

2

Sample lip cosmetics at the store. Sometimes samples are available to comparison shop. You put these on your hand or a testing strip provided by the store, never directly on your own lips.

3

Choose a great colour that compliments your skin tone. Find the perfect shade by experimenting with different colours.

Start with a subtle color, something a few shades darker than your lip color.

Avoid bright fire-engine-red at first; a beginner's mistake is going straight for the loudest red you can find to announce, "I'm wearing lipstick!" Even if you do look great in that color, any mistake, imperfection, or slightest smudge will stand out.

If you have a sister who is experienced with lipstick color, find out her favorite shades. Sisters tend to look good in similar colors, because of their similar skin tones. (But don't share her makeup!)

4

Decide whether you are going to wear lip liner. Today's lipsticks are better formulated than those of the past, making it unneeded. For a beginner, it is usually an unnecessary step. If you do, it should be neutral or match the colour of your lipstick.

5

Apply your lipstick first. Stretch the lips and start at the center, putting on the lipstick to the corners. Blot the lipstick with a tissue. Make sure the lipstick has not smudged over the line of your lips.

6

You can also apply your lip stain first if you so choose. Stretch your lips and draw the stain in a line in the center of each lip, upper and lower. Rub your lips together and blot.

7

Apply your lipgloss. Either apply it all over your lips, or just apply it in the centre of each lip and rub your lips together to apply an even, thin coat. Another option is to apply it in the centre of your lower lip, as this makes your lips look fuller.

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Tips

Creamy lipsticks help protect your lips from drying out, and many have ingredients that keep your lips soft and help prevent the effects of weather.

Match the color of your lips with what you are wearing for a more subtle look, example: A pink lipstick to match a pink top or dress.

Any woman can wear red lipstick--just be sure it suits you. Once you venture to the lipstick counter, you'll discover there are a huge varieties of reds, with varying brightness and tints of blue, brown, gold, purple, orange, and so on. One will do for you.

Always wear a smile and be confident, as this will accentuate your beauty even more

Wear red lipstick when you are not wearing too much eye makeup so it does not look too over-the-top!

When you apply lip balm, make sure it is clear. You can also buy balm with SPF protection if you are going out in the sun.

Some long wear lipsticks can dry out your lips, so add a quick swab of lip moisturizer before applying long wear lipstick.

Look at the ingredients used to make the lipsticks you buy; this can prevent your lips from being harmed by allergens and starting to split, bleed or dry.

If you want your lips to look glossy, but you want to change the color, pair a lip stain or lipstick with a clear gloss. Some colored glosses look fake if you wear too much.

Try out lipstick colours in cosmetic stores, and staff there can assist you in choosing colours.

If your parents are hesitant to have you use lipstick, ask to use lip gloss. You can find some great colors, and make both you and your parents happy.

Keep the look subtle. The first thing a person should notice about your look is you, not your makeup. Don't overdo the cosmetics.

Warnings

Do not share lip cosmetics. It can spread germs, including colds, the flu, cold sores, and worse!

Do not wear lip liner that is darker than your lipstick, as it can look horrible if your lipstick rubs off.

Be careful when choosing colored glosses, as some of them can look fake if you apply too much.

Make sure you are not allergic to the ingredients in your lipstick or lip-gloss. Always check the back of your product for the ingredients.